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DI Bliss #2
The Scent of Guilt
BOOK 2 IN THE DI JIMMY BLISS SERIES
First published in 2018. Republished February 2022.
A dozen years after leaving Peterborough under a cloud, DI Jimmy Bliss returns to the city and is plunged straight into the heart of a serial murder investigation. DS Penny Chandler notices a possible connection between Bliss’s case and a series of rapes. Could the same man be responsible?
With both operations on the verge of stalling, a call comes in from an ex-policeman who knows of unsolved cases in the USA, each with an MO similar to their own. Desperate for answers, Bliss and Chandler travel to California to hunt for a killer whose reach may have stretched further than anyone could possibly have known.
But when Bliss starts piecing things together, he has no idea how quickly events will start to unravel back home. The closer they come to their suspect, the more they lure the monster into the open. A monster looking for a way out, and one final bid for notoriety...
First published in 2018. Republished February 2022.
A dozen years after leaving Peterborough under a cloud, DI Jimmy Bliss returns to the city and is plunged straight into the heart of a serial murder investigation. DS Penny Chandler notices a possible connection between Bliss’s case and a series of rapes. Could the same man be responsible?
With both operations on the verge of stalling, a call comes in from an ex-policeman who knows of unsolved cases in the USA, each with an MO similar to their own. Desperate for answers, Bliss and Chandler travel to California to hunt for a killer whose reach may have stretched further than anyone could possibly have known.
But when Bliss starts piecing things together, he has no idea how quickly events will start to unravel back home. The closer they come to their suspect, the more they lure the monster into the open. A monster looking for a way out, and one final bid for notoriety...
372 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2018
283 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Tony J. Forder
48 books232 followersTony J Forder is the author of the bestselling DI Bliss crime thriller series. Bad to the Bone, The Scent of Guilt, If Fear Wins, The Reach of Shadows, The Death of Justice, Endless Silent Scream, Slow Slicing, The Autumn Tree, Darker Days to Come, The Lightning Rod, What Dies Inside Us, Something More to Say, and The Honourable Rogue. There is also a prequel novella available called Bliss Uncovered.
Tony’s other books include two action-adventure thrillers, Scream Blue Murder and Cold Winter Sun, featuring reluctant hero Mike Lynch. Also, The Huntsmen and The Predators, feature DS Royston Chase, DC Claire Laney, and PCSO Alison May, both police procedural novels set in Wiltshire. In addition, Tony has written two standalone novels: a dark, psychological crime thriller, Degrees of Darkness, and a suspense thriller set in California, Fifteen Coffins.
Tony's first 8 novels were originally released by a publisher specialising in crime fiction. In 2020, Tony decided to strike out on his own, and subsequently negotiated the return of all publishing rights to himself. Each of those 8 books has subsequently been re-released under his own imprint, Spare Nib Books.
Tony lives with his wife in West Sussex, UK, and is a full-time author. His first love was music, and he is currently gobbling up as many remastered vinyl albums as he can. Tony has played guitar since his early childhood, and despite selling off his collection at one point he has somehow managed to reacquire a new range and is up to 5 without knowing how.
Tony is currently working on Jimmy Bliss books #14, The Stonemason’s Song.
Links
All of Tony’s links can be found on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TonyJForder
Tony’s other books include two action-adventure thrillers, Scream Blue Murder and Cold Winter Sun, featuring reluctant hero Mike Lynch. Also, The Huntsmen and The Predators, feature DS Royston Chase, DC Claire Laney, and PCSO Alison May, both police procedural novels set in Wiltshire. In addition, Tony has written two standalone novels: a dark, psychological crime thriller, Degrees of Darkness, and a suspense thriller set in California, Fifteen Coffins.
Tony's first 8 novels were originally released by a publisher specialising in crime fiction. In 2020, Tony decided to strike out on his own, and subsequently negotiated the return of all publishing rights to himself. Each of those 8 books has subsequently been re-released under his own imprint, Spare Nib Books.
Tony lives with his wife in West Sussex, UK, and is a full-time author. His first love was music, and he is currently gobbling up as many remastered vinyl albums as he can. Tony has played guitar since his early childhood, and despite selling off his collection at one point he has somehow managed to reacquire a new range and is up to 5 without knowing how.
Tony is currently working on Jimmy Bliss books #14, The Stonemason’s Song.
Links
All of Tony’s links can be found on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TonyJForder
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
February 19, 2018
EXCERPT: The elderly woman lay on her back, arms and legs spread out as if she were forming a large X. The hood of her beige parka was like a saucer for her spilled blood. In the unnatural light it gleamed like a halo of slick crude oil. Other than a couple of minor abrasions, her face was untouched. Across the rest of her body there were too many puncture wounds and lacerations to count, but it looked to Bliss as if there must be several dozen. He squatted down beside her body to take a closer look. The victim’s green tartan skirt had been yanked up to her waist, tights shredded and her vulva brutalised, most likely with the same weapon that had punctured the flesh so cruelly. The remainder of the wounds appeared to be randomly distributed, though her breasts had been left completely unscathed. The final sickening debasement, was that all ten nails had been ripped from her fingers.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Twelve years after he left Peterborough under a cloud, DI Bliss returns to the city and the major crimes team. Having spent years policing organised crime, Bliss is plunged straight into the heart of a serial murder investigation.
Meanwhile, Penny Chandler has been promoted to DS and has been working in London on the Met’s sexual crimes team. But when two rapes are reported on her old patch in Peterborough, Chandler volunteers to interview the victims.
Chandler joins the hunt for the attacker and soon notices a possible link between the rapes and Bliss’s murder investigation. Could the same man be responsible?
Just as both cases seem to stall, a call comes in from an ex-policeman who knows of unsolved cases in the USA with a similar MO. Bliss finds himself travelling to California to hunt for a killer whose reach may have stretched further than anyone could possibly imagine.
But in order to catch the murderer, Bliss must discover the killer’s motive. A motive which should have remained buried in the past…
MY THOUGHTS: Stone the crows! That was a journey and a half!
Despite The Scent of Guilt being the second book of the DI Bliss and DC Chandler series, it reads well as a stand alone. I do feel that I missed out on some background information on Bliss’s life, but it is not essential to this story. But having whetted my appetite, I am going to go back and read the first in the series, Bad to the Bone (also the title of one of my favorite George Thorogood songs!).
Bliss, who admits to being 'a grumpy bastard', has a reputation for insubordination, for going his own way, for swimming against the tide, and for bringing situations crashing down around his own ears. Yet, his team is fiercely loyal to him and there is a certain chemistry between Bliss and Chandler about which they are fiercely in denial.
Bliss has been through the wringer in his personal life; he is childless, his wife murdered as a consequence of his actions, and suffering from Meniere's Disease, he has a deep understanding of people's grief and at times exhibits quite a philosophical side.
An interesting character and a great plot that leaves me begging for 'more please, Mr Forder.'
Please note: No crows were harmed in the writing of this review.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of The Scent of Guilt by Tony J Forder for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Twelve years after he left Peterborough under a cloud, DI Bliss returns to the city and the major crimes team. Having spent years policing organised crime, Bliss is plunged straight into the heart of a serial murder investigation.
Meanwhile, Penny Chandler has been promoted to DS and has been working in London on the Met’s sexual crimes team. But when two rapes are reported on her old patch in Peterborough, Chandler volunteers to interview the victims.
Chandler joins the hunt for the attacker and soon notices a possible link between the rapes and Bliss’s murder investigation. Could the same man be responsible?
Just as both cases seem to stall, a call comes in from an ex-policeman who knows of unsolved cases in the USA with a similar MO. Bliss finds himself travelling to California to hunt for a killer whose reach may have stretched further than anyone could possibly imagine.
But in order to catch the murderer, Bliss must discover the killer’s motive. A motive which should have remained buried in the past…
MY THOUGHTS: Stone the crows! That was a journey and a half!
Despite The Scent of Guilt being the second book of the DI Bliss and DC Chandler series, it reads well as a stand alone. I do feel that I missed out on some background information on Bliss’s life, but it is not essential to this story. But having whetted my appetite, I am going to go back and read the first in the series, Bad to the Bone (also the title of one of my favorite George Thorogood songs!).
Bliss, who admits to being 'a grumpy bastard', has a reputation for insubordination, for going his own way, for swimming against the tide, and for bringing situations crashing down around his own ears. Yet, his team is fiercely loyal to him and there is a certain chemistry between Bliss and Chandler about which they are fiercely in denial.
Bliss has been through the wringer in his personal life; he is childless, his wife murdered as a consequence of his actions, and suffering from Meniere's Disease, he has a deep understanding of people's grief and at times exhibits quite a philosophical side.
An interesting character and a great plot that leaves me begging for 'more please, Mr Forder.'
Please note: No crows were harmed in the writing of this review.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of The Scent of Guilt by Tony J Forder for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
February 22, 2018
4☆ A Gripping Crime Thriller
The Scent of Guilt is the second book in the series. However this is the first book I have read in the series and I had no problems getting stuck in. Definetly can be read as a standalone without any problems.
Detective Inspector Bliss is back and is thrown into a serial killer case. These murders are brutal and don't appear to have any motive.
Detective Chandler is also investigating rape cases and it appears that there might just be a link to the different cases.
Bliss helps Chandler and they end up working together to uncover the killer.
They make a good team, each bringing something different to the investigation.
The Scent of Guilt starts of somewhat slower but it quickly drags you in and commands your attention.
The murders are gruesome, the case is cleverly weaved together, some great twists and it kept me guessing.
Definetly recommend this book if your looking for a gripping Crime Thriller that will drag you and keep you reading till the early hours.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
The Scent of Guilt is the second book in the series. However this is the first book I have read in the series and I had no problems getting stuck in. Definetly can be read as a standalone without any problems.
Detective Inspector Bliss is back and is thrown into a serial killer case. These murders are brutal and don't appear to have any motive.
Detective Chandler is also investigating rape cases and it appears that there might just be a link to the different cases.
Bliss helps Chandler and they end up working together to uncover the killer.
They make a good team, each bringing something different to the investigation.
The Scent of Guilt starts of somewhat slower but it quickly drags you in and commands your attention.
The murders are gruesome, the case is cleverly weaved together, some great twists and it kept me guessing.
Definetly recommend this book if your looking for a gripping Crime Thriller that will drag you and keep you reading till the early hours.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
February 4, 2018
I have books on my shelf unread by this author. I’m now asking myself Why!
Although this is book 2 in a series I was assured that it can easily be read as a standalone. I can confirm that.
I am assuming that DI Bliss was in the previous book, but this is a new case. I’m thinking I’ve just missed out a bit on his life.
DI Bliss has returned to the place he worked before. He’s landed into a (what looks like) random murders however, there was some sticky moments when I thought he was standing on Edwards toes as she wanted to lead.
I thought he handled that situation pretty dam well.
That’s where I’m guessing from book 1 that Bliss personality was harsher and he’s calmed down a bit. It was a remark that Edwards had said to him.
The cases of the murders are not straight forward and what made a change for me was ( don’t judge me lol) the victims were not the usual young girl per sa. They were latter age.
So this intrigued more.
The first case upon finding the body made me cross my legs, I kid you not.
This author writes really well, his words get inside your head where you are being shown snapshots, that’s the only way I can personally describe it.
The finale was awesome.
Definitely reading more from this author.
I need to fit his other books in to my schedule and take them off my bookshelf.
Thanks to the author Tony Forder for providing me with great thought provoking matter and to Bloodhounds for my copy via Net Galley
Although this is book 2 in a series I was assured that it can easily be read as a standalone. I can confirm that.
I am assuming that DI Bliss was in the previous book, but this is a new case. I’m thinking I’ve just missed out a bit on his life.
DI Bliss has returned to the place he worked before. He’s landed into a (what looks like) random murders however, there was some sticky moments when I thought he was standing on Edwards toes as she wanted to lead.
I thought he handled that situation pretty dam well.
That’s where I’m guessing from book 1 that Bliss personality was harsher and he’s calmed down a bit. It was a remark that Edwards had said to him.
The cases of the murders are not straight forward and what made a change for me was ( don’t judge me lol) the victims were not the usual young girl per sa. They were latter age.
So this intrigued more.
The first case upon finding the body made me cross my legs, I kid you not.
This author writes really well, his words get inside your head where you are being shown snapshots, that’s the only way I can personally describe it.
The finale was awesome.
Definitely reading more from this author.
I need to fit his other books in to my schedule and take them off my bookshelf.
Thanks to the author Tony Forder for providing me with great thought provoking matter and to Bloodhounds for my copy via Net Galley
February 21, 2018
Twelve years after leaving Peterborough and the Major Crimes Team, DI Bliss is back in familiar surroundings. On his first day, he’s thrown head first into what looks to be a serial killer investigation when the body of an elderly woman is found. Meanwhile, DI Bliss’s former colleague DS Chandler has been working on rape investigations. When her most recent case leads her back to Peterborough, she thinks there may be a connection between the rapes and the murders. Their search for the killer will lead them to America and back again.
As far as this murder investigation goes, The Scent of Guilt reads perfectly well as a stand-alone but I do feel you’d miss out on quite a bit of background regarding, for instance, DI Bliss’s health, which is explained in the first book in this series Bad To The Bone. I’m glad I managed to squeeze that one in before I read this one, even though I must admit the twelve year gap threw me off a little bit in the beginning and I thought I’d missed a book somewhere. Things have obviously changed in the last twelve years and some of the people DI Bliss used to work with have been replaced. Not all of them are happy to see him return and it’s not all plain sailing.
The chase for the serial killer is incredibly thrilling. The detectives quite quickly zero in on a potential suspect but are they right in doing so? Is there a rapist and a killer? Or is there only one person responsible for both vile acts? What is the motivation behind these attacks and why now? All these questions must be answered, preferably before there’s another victim. But when DI Bliss jets off to America, is he putting his own investigation into jeopardy? I didn’t have a clue but I really enjoyed trying to figure it out.
I love that part of this book is set in America. Cold cases are always fascinating to me and having the chance to work on this puzzle alongside Bliss, trying to find some kind of connection to what’s happening back in the UK, really held my attention throughout. The Scent of Guilt is a well plotted and suspenseful crime thriller. The pace starts off a little slow but ramps up as you go along and ultimately ends with a most satisfying conclusion. Another great addition to this series and I hope Bliss and Chandler will return soon!
As far as this murder investigation goes, The Scent of Guilt reads perfectly well as a stand-alone but I do feel you’d miss out on quite a bit of background regarding, for instance, DI Bliss’s health, which is explained in the first book in this series Bad To The Bone. I’m glad I managed to squeeze that one in before I read this one, even though I must admit the twelve year gap threw me off a little bit in the beginning and I thought I’d missed a book somewhere. Things have obviously changed in the last twelve years and some of the people DI Bliss used to work with have been replaced. Not all of them are happy to see him return and it’s not all plain sailing.
The chase for the serial killer is incredibly thrilling. The detectives quite quickly zero in on a potential suspect but are they right in doing so? Is there a rapist and a killer? Or is there only one person responsible for both vile acts? What is the motivation behind these attacks and why now? All these questions must be answered, preferably before there’s another victim. But when DI Bliss jets off to America, is he putting his own investigation into jeopardy? I didn’t have a clue but I really enjoyed trying to figure it out.
I love that part of this book is set in America. Cold cases are always fascinating to me and having the chance to work on this puzzle alongside Bliss, trying to find some kind of connection to what’s happening back in the UK, really held my attention throughout. The Scent of Guilt is a well plotted and suspenseful crime thriller. The pace starts off a little slow but ramps up as you go along and ultimately ends with a most satisfying conclusion. Another great addition to this series and I hope Bliss and Chandler will return soon!
February 21, 2018
The Scent of Guilt is the second book in the DI Bliss series. As the book is set twelve years after the first book, Bad to the Bone, you don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one. As it’s a good book though you will probably want to go back and read it and see how it all starts.
Whilst I enjoyed Bad to the Bone, I have to say The Scent of Guilt just blew me away. Bad to the Bone was the authors debut novel and he has written a few books since then and for me, with The Scent of Guilt, you can really see how much the author has grown as a writer. The story just flows perfectly and his talent just oozes through the pages. It was brilliant and seemed so effortless which made it even more enjoyable.
Bliss I was slightly unsure of in the first book as there were parts of him that I couldn’t relate to but with time, and like a good wine, he has certainly improved with age. The working chemistry between him and Chandler is just mesmerising and I couldn’t tear myself away from the pages.
A crime involving rape is never going to be something that is easy to read. I really have to applaud the author with his writing skills in getting the victims feelings across to the reader. I’m not sure what research he may have done but he totally nailed it for me and parts made for some really emotional reading.
The Scent of Guilt is very much a game of cat and mouse with some shocking twists and turns. The author has raised the bar very high with this book and I literally can not wait to see what he has in store for us next.
Whilst I enjoyed Bad to the Bone, I have to say The Scent of Guilt just blew me away. Bad to the Bone was the authors debut novel and he has written a few books since then and for me, with The Scent of Guilt, you can really see how much the author has grown as a writer. The story just flows perfectly and his talent just oozes through the pages. It was brilliant and seemed so effortless which made it even more enjoyable.
Bliss I was slightly unsure of in the first book as there were parts of him that I couldn’t relate to but with time, and like a good wine, he has certainly improved with age. The working chemistry between him and Chandler is just mesmerising and I couldn’t tear myself away from the pages.
A crime involving rape is never going to be something that is easy to read. I really have to applaud the author with his writing skills in getting the victims feelings across to the reader. I’m not sure what research he may have done but he totally nailed it for me and parts made for some really emotional reading.
The Scent of Guilt is very much a game of cat and mouse with some shocking twists and turns. The author has raised the bar very high with this book and I literally can not wait to see what he has in store for us next.
October 3, 2018
Oh my dayz. After reading Bad to the Bone which is book one in the DI Bliss and DCI Chandler series I couldn’t resist jumping into this and I’m delighted I did.
Many years have passed and DC Jimmy Bliss is back in Peterborough investigating a serial murder. Penny Chandler is in London investigating sexual crimes. When two rapes are reported in Peterborough Chandler volunteers to investigate. Are the murder and rape investigations connected in some way??
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The storyline was really thought out. I loved how some of the characters we read and loved in book one were back to help with the investigation.
I’ve read every book this author has written. If your looking for a well written police thriller then I highly recommend you set time aside and devour these books. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Many years have passed and DC Jimmy Bliss is back in Peterborough investigating a serial murder. Penny Chandler is in London investigating sexual crimes. When two rapes are reported in Peterborough Chandler volunteers to investigate. Are the murder and rape investigations connected in some way??
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The storyline was really thought out. I loved how some of the characters we read and loved in book one were back to help with the investigation.
I’ve read every book this author has written. If your looking for a well written police thriller then I highly recommend you set time aside and devour these books. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
February 23, 2018
Although this book can be read as a stand alone I strongly advise you to not only read the first book in the series, Bad to the Bone, but also everything else Tony Forder has written. So you may guess now that I am a bit of a fan. There is just something about his writing that makes the stories feel like they could be headlines in the daily papers or I could switch on the tv to Sky News to see if one or another of these crimes have been solved. They just feel so real but with the added bonus of me feeling part of the team and having inside knowledge of how it is all coming together or not!
I was delighted that DI Bliss was back and that DS Chandler would be joining him too on their old patch. Unfortunately it was because a couple of recent horrific murders of older women and the brutal rapes of young women were possibly linked. Now this attacker certainly has issues with women, not to mention the very weird relationship that he really has. Cor Blimey this is a story of how life events really mix you up, play with your mind and down right wreck your life from the chance of ever being normal.
To say that there is a little bit of friction at the station just wouldn’t really cut it. I mean it has been years since DI Bliss was near the place but I felt like cowering in a corner myself. The frustration in him was quite electric and at some point I just knew that fuse would pop.
Tony Forder always manages to get across the horrific violence in these crimes by using the detectives in the investigation to talk about the injuries rather than the actual assaults and murders as they are happening. I still feel I got all of the facts of what these women have gone through without being a real witness to the crime as it happens. It makes it easier reading.
There is a part of the book where the feelings and emotions of dealing with rape are raised. It is only touching the surface but makes some very valid points.
This is a fabulous read again, with heart in your mouth moments that just seal the deal on this little beauty. Loved it!
I was delighted that DI Bliss was back and that DS Chandler would be joining him too on their old patch. Unfortunately it was because a couple of recent horrific murders of older women and the brutal rapes of young women were possibly linked. Now this attacker certainly has issues with women, not to mention the very weird relationship that he really has. Cor Blimey this is a story of how life events really mix you up, play with your mind and down right wreck your life from the chance of ever being normal.
To say that there is a little bit of friction at the station just wouldn’t really cut it. I mean it has been years since DI Bliss was near the place but I felt like cowering in a corner myself. The frustration in him was quite electric and at some point I just knew that fuse would pop.
Tony Forder always manages to get across the horrific violence in these crimes by using the detectives in the investigation to talk about the injuries rather than the actual assaults and murders as they are happening. I still feel I got all of the facts of what these women have gone through without being a real witness to the crime as it happens. It makes it easier reading.
There is a part of the book where the feelings and emotions of dealing with rape are raised. It is only touching the surface but makes some very valid points.
This is a fabulous read again, with heart in your mouth moments that just seal the deal on this little beauty. Loved it!
March 25, 2018
DI Bliss returns to Peterborough after an absence of 12 years following the events of the previous book, Bad To The Bone. Penny Chandler has been promoted to DS and is investigating a series of rapes in the sexual crimes unit in London. On his return, Bliss is thrown straight into a murder investigation. An older woman is found with horrific stab wounds and her fingernails removed. Bliss calls on Penny for some help as there may be a sexual element to the murder. Or is the rapist escalating? Or are there two perpetrators?
Things start to move when Bliss gets a phone call from a former police officer in California. There were a couple of very similar murders there which were never solved. Bliss travels to California to see if there really is a link to his own case. It seems there is. That's when the action really starts to ramp up and it gets very cat and mouse. Quite dark and troubling, this book is an excellent addition to the genre.
Things start to move when Bliss gets a phone call from a former police officer in California. There were a couple of very similar murders there which were never solved. Bliss travels to California to see if there really is a link to his own case. It seems there is. That's when the action really starts to ramp up and it gets very cat and mouse. Quite dark and troubling, this book is an excellent addition to the genre.
February 22, 2018
I am a big fan of Tony Forder. I have not yet read Bad to the Bone but read and absolutely loved Degrees of Darkness and Scream Blue Murder.
DI Bliss left Peterborough 12 years ago and has just managed to work his way back. The book begins with him being thrown head first into a murder investigation that turns out to be the 3rd case with the same MO: there is a serial killer on the loose. Him being given the investigation doesn't go down well with his superior and others at the station so not only does he have to solve the case he also has to earn the friendship and respect of his colleagues.
DI Bliss is a damaged character with health and anger issues but one that grows on you as the realisation that under all that is a compassionate man who is determined to bring the villains to justice. He soon earns the respect of his team and they all work together in an effective manner.
As with all Tony's books the suspense and intrigue starts from the first page and from there I was hooked. There are 2 cases running through the story one is a serial rapist and the other a murderer who targets old women. Bliss soon gets a handle on the profile of the murder suspect but is totally baffled by the rape cases. When a tiny link between the 2 is identified the intrigue increases and even more so when a Policeman from California notices similarities to a cold case over there.
This is a fast paced book with many twists and turns. The reader is taken on a roller coaster ride throughout the book to a breath-taking conclusion. An absolutely brilliant read and well worth the 5 stars. Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the advance copy and to Tony for writing such a gripping story.
DI Bliss left Peterborough 12 years ago and has just managed to work his way back. The book begins with him being thrown head first into a murder investigation that turns out to be the 3rd case with the same MO: there is a serial killer on the loose. Him being given the investigation doesn't go down well with his superior and others at the station so not only does he have to solve the case he also has to earn the friendship and respect of his colleagues.
DI Bliss is a damaged character with health and anger issues but one that grows on you as the realisation that under all that is a compassionate man who is determined to bring the villains to justice. He soon earns the respect of his team and they all work together in an effective manner.
As with all Tony's books the suspense and intrigue starts from the first page and from there I was hooked. There are 2 cases running through the story one is a serial rapist and the other a murderer who targets old women. Bliss soon gets a handle on the profile of the murder suspect but is totally baffled by the rape cases. When a tiny link between the 2 is identified the intrigue increases and even more so when a Policeman from California notices similarities to a cold case over there.
This is a fast paced book with many twists and turns. The reader is taken on a roller coaster ride throughout the book to a breath-taking conclusion. An absolutely brilliant read and well worth the 5 stars. Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the advance copy and to Tony for writing such a gripping story.
February 18, 2018
The 2nd in the D.S Bliss series sees the story 12 years on from the first book Bad To The Bone. D.S Jimmy Bliss makes a return to his old stomping ground and his old job. With the investigation of a strange and brutal murder, Bliss and his team investigate. D.C Penny Chandler makes a return to Peterborough. The case she is working on, while on secondment in London may have a link to her old mentors case.
This can be read as a stand alone, but it definitely helps if you have read the first to get a feel for the history and backstories. I read this book straight off the back of Bad To The Bone so it was still fresh in my head. There is a time difference of 12 years between the two stories, my reading difference was 12 hours so it did take me a while to get into this one. Once I got my head around this time difference I was off and running.
There are a few old faces, but also some new ones as you would expect. This has a different feel, it is more darker, sinister and more intricate. It has several plots running through it that twists together that has the investigators trying to work out the why’s and the who’s. I do admit to having an inkling as to who the “who” was, but never completely convinced I was right. The story had some surprising twists and went down routes I didn’t expect therefore keeping my interest right the way through. I liked the dynamic of Bliss and Chandler in the first book, and was pleased to see a return of that in this one. Bliss is investigating a much darker feeling story than the last one, and with Chandler being on secondment to a sex crimes department, you know this is going to be more sinister. So be warned!
This is a book I would definitely recommend to readers who like police procedural crime, murder, mystery and thriller books. Dark, brutal and sinister that will have you avidly turning the pages.
This can be read as a stand alone, but it definitely helps if you have read the first to get a feel for the history and backstories. I read this book straight off the back of Bad To The Bone so it was still fresh in my head. There is a time difference of 12 years between the two stories, my reading difference was 12 hours so it did take me a while to get into this one. Once I got my head around this time difference I was off and running.
There are a few old faces, but also some new ones as you would expect. This has a different feel, it is more darker, sinister and more intricate. It has several plots running through it that twists together that has the investigators trying to work out the why’s and the who’s. I do admit to having an inkling as to who the “who” was, but never completely convinced I was right. The story had some surprising twists and went down routes I didn’t expect therefore keeping my interest right the way through. I liked the dynamic of Bliss and Chandler in the first book, and was pleased to see a return of that in this one. Bliss is investigating a much darker feeling story than the last one, and with Chandler being on secondment to a sex crimes department, you know this is going to be more sinister. So be warned!
This is a book I would definitely recommend to readers who like police procedural crime, murder, mystery and thriller books. Dark, brutal and sinister that will have you avidly turning the pages.
February 12, 2018
Another superb novel from the excellent Bloodhound Books and the impressive Tony J Forder. Having very much enjoyed Bad To The Bone, I was looking forward to reading this and was not at all disappointed. DI Jimmy Bliss is back in Peterborough and tasked with solving the murders of a number of old ladies. His erstwhile partner Penny Chandler is seconded to London but her current case brings her back and she links up again with bliss. The writing is taut, the story gripping and the ending very satisfying. More please!
January 30, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bloodhound Books for an advance copy of The Scent of Guilt, the second novel to feature DI Jimmy Bliss and DS Penny Chandler.
On the eve of his first official day at the Peterborough station Bliss is called out to a murder scene where a pensioner has been stabbed to death and her finger nails removed. This is the killer's third victim so he is now leading the hunt for a serial killer. Chandler, seconded to the Met's Sapphire Unit, comes back to Peterborough to interview rape victims and makes a breakthrough observation linking the two cases.
I enjoyed The Scent of Guilt which is a fast paced procedural with plenty going on in terms both of action and the investigation. I like the fact that with no forensics or witnesses it is the minor anomalies and deductive reasoning that provide the solution. The trip to California is an interesting sideline with both action and investigation but highly improbable in these straitened times. The plotting is well done with good pacing on the reveals, tension and action.
I was less keen on the characterisation which doesn't ring true to me. Bliss is a man with several tics, he has a chronic illness, a murdered wife and no respect for authority. I like the way he is able to defend his position logically and articulately but it makes his emotional over reliance on Chandler difficult to understand or believe. There is a hint about chemistry between them but who knows? His DCI's animosity towards him is even more difficult to understand or believe. She is a senior police officer who certainly didn't get to that position by prejudging people on the basis of rumours and half truths which apparently does. Chandler is the smart one on the team, able to make links and draw inferences that elude the others but she too has a troubled past.
The Scent of Guilt is a solid read. 3.5* rounded up to 4* for the plotting.
On the eve of his first official day at the Peterborough station Bliss is called out to a murder scene where a pensioner has been stabbed to death and her finger nails removed. This is the killer's third victim so he is now leading the hunt for a serial killer. Chandler, seconded to the Met's Sapphire Unit, comes back to Peterborough to interview rape victims and makes a breakthrough observation linking the two cases.
I enjoyed The Scent of Guilt which is a fast paced procedural with plenty going on in terms both of action and the investigation. I like the fact that with no forensics or witnesses it is the minor anomalies and deductive reasoning that provide the solution. The trip to California is an interesting sideline with both action and investigation but highly improbable in these straitened times. The plotting is well done with good pacing on the reveals, tension and action.
I was less keen on the characterisation which doesn't ring true to me. Bliss is a man with several tics, he has a chronic illness, a murdered wife and no respect for authority. I like the way he is able to defend his position logically and articulately but it makes his emotional over reliance on Chandler difficult to understand or believe. There is a hint about chemistry between them but who knows? His DCI's animosity towards him is even more difficult to understand or believe. She is a senior police officer who certainly didn't get to that position by prejudging people on the basis of rumours and half truths which apparently does. Chandler is the smart one on the team, able to make links and draw inferences that elude the others but she too has a troubled past.
The Scent of Guilt is a solid read. 3.5* rounded up to 4* for the plotting.
February 4, 2018
#TheScentOfGuilt by Tony J Forder
17 February 2018
I received this book from #NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review but I loved the book so much that halfway through the book I looked up the author and found out that this was the second book in a series. Right then and there I bought the first in the series “Bad to the Bone” and as soon as I finish this I am starting on the other one. The book has everything you could ever want in a book: great story line, great and interesting characters that just keep you glued to the book. I did realize that this was going to be a favorite so I tried to space it out as long as I could but only lasted 3 days. There was one thing that bugged me a bit and that was the multiple references to DI Bliss’s disease, Menuiere which I had never heard about and Kindle didn’t recognize it either. I ended up looking it up in a dictionary just because of the frequent references. But out of that whole book that was the only thing I didn’t get and the rest of the book so made up for that tiny bit. Tony Forder is now one of my favorite British authors along with Bruce Beckham and Peter Grainger. I am looking forward to hopefully many more in this series. I already see a glimmer of an idea for DI Bliss’s mother in Ireland and her group of new widows. Truly a remarkable book which I will happily recommend far and wide.
17 February 2018
I received this book from #NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review but I loved the book so much that halfway through the book I looked up the author and found out that this was the second book in a series. Right then and there I bought the first in the series “Bad to the Bone” and as soon as I finish this I am starting on the other one. The book has everything you could ever want in a book: great story line, great and interesting characters that just keep you glued to the book. I did realize that this was going to be a favorite so I tried to space it out as long as I could but only lasted 3 days. There was one thing that bugged me a bit and that was the multiple references to DI Bliss’s disease, Menuiere which I had never heard about and Kindle didn’t recognize it either. I ended up looking it up in a dictionary just because of the frequent references. But out of that whole book that was the only thing I didn’t get and the rest of the book so made up for that tiny bit. Tony Forder is now one of my favorite British authors along with Bruce Beckham and Peter Grainger. I am looking forward to hopefully many more in this series. I already see a glimmer of an idea for DI Bliss’s mother in Ireland and her group of new widows. Truly a remarkable book which I will happily recommend far and wide.
February 16, 2018
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for allowing me to read this which I voluntarily reviewed.
Although this is book 2 in the DI Bliss series, it can be read as a stand-alone thriller. I am sure that you will want to read book 1 anyway!
As usual Mr Forder has produced an excellent book. I particularly liked the relationship between DI Bliss and DS Chandler. They work well together on a professional as well as a personal level.
This is a well written crime thriller that I would definitely recommend to lovers of this genre.
Although this is book 2 in the DI Bliss series, it can be read as a stand-alone thriller. I am sure that you will want to read book 1 anyway!
As usual Mr Forder has produced an excellent book. I particularly liked the relationship between DI Bliss and DS Chandler. They work well together on a professional as well as a personal level.
This is a well written crime thriller that I would definitely recommend to lovers of this genre.
February 4, 2018
I really enjoyed this book despite realising it was the second DI Bliss book. I loved the relationship he had with Penny professionally and personally they worked really well together. I could tell he had demons but that only made his character more believable.. I hope to read more by this author
February 13, 2018
DI Bliss is back in town after a break of 12 years. He moved to another region after losing his wife as part of a murder investigation he was leading. Three older ladies have recently been murdered. Not the usual MO for a murderer. Bliss’s long time friend and colleague DS Chandler is now in Sapphire- a department targeting rapists. Young girls are being attacked in the city and they are no nearer getting the perpetrator. Can Bliss return to his old stomping ground and sort things out? Tony writes with a flair. A flair for getting you into the nitty gritty early on and although an uncomfortable topic this is written in a comfortable way (does that make sense?) that makes you want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next. Characters with real depth, having a little back story to them so make them “live” on the pages rather than flat, one dimensional descriptions. The arguments/debates between Bliss and DCI Edwards are very cleverly thought out and the philosophy at the end are words to think about, and so very true. A truly brilliant read. I look forward to more from DI Bliss and the very talented Tony Forder.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
January 23, 2018
Scent of guilt by tony j forder.
Twelve years after he left Peterborough under a cloud, DI Bliss returns to the city and the major crimes team. Having spent years policing organised crime, Bliss is plunged straight into the heart of a serial murder investigation.
A fantastic read with great characters. Couldn't put it down. 5*
Twelve years after he left Peterborough under a cloud, DI Bliss returns to the city and the major crimes team. Having spent years policing organised crime, Bliss is plunged straight into the heart of a serial murder investigation.
A fantastic read with great characters. Couldn't put it down. 5*
Read
February 27, 2018Well #BOOM here is a kick ass introduction for me to a new series to get my teeth into! I hadn't read the first in the series and it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book at all, it worked well as a standalone.
DI Bliss has returned to Peterborough and it is clear that he has a bit of a reputation. There are several hints that perhaps he's not always been the most popular in the force but he is determined to prove he has changed. He's just in the door when he is handed an extremely high-profile case and despite senior management support it would appear that DCI Edwards, in reality is not really that supportive after all! You can feel the tension between these two seep out the pages but just what has DCI Edwards got against him other than the fact that he's been given the case that she wants to head up? Is there more underlying her dislike of Bliss?
Bliss's partner, Penny Chandler, had been promoted to DS where she was working in the Met but she arrives back in Peterborough to investigate links between rape cases she has been working on. Now, there is obviously some background with these two. Bliss is delighted to have his sidekick back working alongside him; he has a huge emotional reliance on her. I connected with Bliss immediately, I really liked him, I like that he is flawed and has an over reliance on Chandler - she's like an emotional crutch to him. I liked his approach to life, there is a toughness which seems very much at odds with his self-care approach to his health problems. He is definitely a man who is not afraid to connect with his emotional side and there is something very endearing about this man! Hell, more than endearing, I think I have a major #CharacterCrush going on here! He has issues with authority, which can be problematic when you are in the police I guess, but I loved his attitude, this man sure knows the right battles to pick and he's not afraid to raise his head above the parapet when required!
What a duo the author has created with Bliss and Chandler, even the pairing of the names sounds just right, these two go together like gin and tonic , they are meant to be; there is a connection that sends sparks flying out the book here but time will tell if there is ever going to be anything more than this between them.
Tony Forder has created not only a dynamite duo but the storyline was fast paced, energetic and intelligent, taking us from Peterborough to California as a potential connection is established between the crimes happening in the UK and historical cases in the USA.
Ok so it might little far-fetched that UK forces would have a budget to send him over to US on what appears to be very shaky evidence, but hey it's fiction, right? So get that belief and suspend it a little and just sit back and enjoy the ride! And when I say enjoy it, I mean sit back and really enjoy it because this is clever stuff going on here! Again, the author shows a clear skill in the development of relationships between characters. Robbie Newman, the American Cop assigned to Bliss when he arrives in America, throws him a few surprises but I really got a sense of a genuine partnership and gelling between the two characters from the outset. I'd like to see this relationship developed as the series goes on.
The author has tackled two very sensitive subjects in this novel, murder and rape. He has approached these topics with a sensitivity for which he is to be commended. It can be too easy to sensationalize in crime fiction but Tony Forder has demonstrated a more person centred and humane approach to policing when investigating crimes which throw up some chilling background stories. We do get to hear the voice of the perpetrator(s) throughout the book and they are creepy as hell and Bliss does well to contain himself and some of those anger issues throughout the investigation.
The Scent of Guilt is a clever and twisted novel that will have you reading well past your bedtime and if it is the first in the series you have read, it will have you jumping over to Amazon to buy the first and heading over to Twitter to nag the author to get the next written. It had my breath caught, my brain hooked and my senses in overdrive; twists and turns will keep you hooked til the very last page. Read it!
DI Bliss has returned to Peterborough and it is clear that he has a bit of a reputation. There are several hints that perhaps he's not always been the most popular in the force but he is determined to prove he has changed. He's just in the door when he is handed an extremely high-profile case and despite senior management support it would appear that DCI Edwards, in reality is not really that supportive after all! You can feel the tension between these two seep out the pages but just what has DCI Edwards got against him other than the fact that he's been given the case that she wants to head up? Is there more underlying her dislike of Bliss?
Bliss's partner, Penny Chandler, had been promoted to DS where she was working in the Met but she arrives back in Peterborough to investigate links between rape cases she has been working on. Now, there is obviously some background with these two. Bliss is delighted to have his sidekick back working alongside him; he has a huge emotional reliance on her. I connected with Bliss immediately, I really liked him, I like that he is flawed and has an over reliance on Chandler - she's like an emotional crutch to him. I liked his approach to life, there is a toughness which seems very much at odds with his self-care approach to his health problems. He is definitely a man who is not afraid to connect with his emotional side and there is something very endearing about this man! Hell, more than endearing, I think I have a major #CharacterCrush going on here! He has issues with authority, which can be problematic when you are in the police I guess, but I loved his attitude, this man sure knows the right battles to pick and he's not afraid to raise his head above the parapet when required!
What a duo the author has created with Bliss and Chandler, even the pairing of the names sounds just right, these two go together like gin and tonic , they are meant to be; there is a connection that sends sparks flying out the book here but time will tell if there is ever going to be anything more than this between them.
Tony Forder has created not only a dynamite duo but the storyline was fast paced, energetic and intelligent, taking us from Peterborough to California as a potential connection is established between the crimes happening in the UK and historical cases in the USA.
Ok so it might little far-fetched that UK forces would have a budget to send him over to US on what appears to be very shaky evidence, but hey it's fiction, right? So get that belief and suspend it a little and just sit back and enjoy the ride! And when I say enjoy it, I mean sit back and really enjoy it because this is clever stuff going on here! Again, the author shows a clear skill in the development of relationships between characters. Robbie Newman, the American Cop assigned to Bliss when he arrives in America, throws him a few surprises but I really got a sense of a genuine partnership and gelling between the two characters from the outset. I'd like to see this relationship developed as the series goes on.
The author has tackled two very sensitive subjects in this novel, murder and rape. He has approached these topics with a sensitivity for which he is to be commended. It can be too easy to sensationalize in crime fiction but Tony Forder has demonstrated a more person centred and humane approach to policing when investigating crimes which throw up some chilling background stories. We do get to hear the voice of the perpetrator(s) throughout the book and they are creepy as hell and Bliss does well to contain himself and some of those anger issues throughout the investigation.
The Scent of Guilt is a clever and twisted novel that will have you reading well past your bedtime and if it is the first in the series you have read, it will have you jumping over to Amazon to buy the first and heading over to Twitter to nag the author to get the next written. It had my breath caught, my brain hooked and my senses in overdrive; twists and turns will keep you hooked til the very last page. Read it!
February 18, 2018
The introduction to DI Bliss was in Tony J Forder’s first novel Bad to the Bone. The fact that I had not read this earlier novel did not impact on my enjoyment of this, the second which sees Bliss’s return to Peterborough following a stint in policing organised crime. Clearly Bliss had his shortcomings in the earlier novel in which he struggled with his temper, his health, and as with all good detectives, he struggles with bureaucracy and politics within the institution.
On the eve of his return to duties he is called to investigate a murder of an older woman and he is confronted with his immediate superior who makes it abundantly clear that she is not happy with his appointment. Bliss is delighted to discover that Penny Chandler (his partner in the first novel) who has been working in London investigating rape and serious assaults is working on a rape case in Peterborough. Their investigations are closely linked and the two re-establish a good working relationship.
As the plot unfolds it becomes clear that Bliss is dealing with a serial killer. But are the rape cases and the murders linked? Their investigations lead them to the USA and a cold case.
Written in the third person from Bliss’s perspective we are privy to his thoughts and motivations with occasional input from the killer’s perspective. This is a really well thought out plot, covering police procedure but with flashes of insight and brilliance. The characterisation is excellent, in particular that of Bliss. We witness his frustration, anger and his humanity in dealing with the widower of a murder victim, and his vulnerability when he examines his own role as a widower. In counterpoint to this, we see his awareness of the opposite sex and his ponderings on what actions/words would be deemed appropriate or more importantly not appropriate.
I heartily recommend this book. I cannot see why anyone would not like it. If police procedurals are your bag and you like a good story with some great characters, grab it fast and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
On the eve of his return to duties he is called to investigate a murder of an older woman and he is confronted with his immediate superior who makes it abundantly clear that she is not happy with his appointment. Bliss is delighted to discover that Penny Chandler (his partner in the first novel) who has been working in London investigating rape and serious assaults is working on a rape case in Peterborough. Their investigations are closely linked and the two re-establish a good working relationship.
As the plot unfolds it becomes clear that Bliss is dealing with a serial killer. But are the rape cases and the murders linked? Their investigations lead them to the USA and a cold case.
Written in the third person from Bliss’s perspective we are privy to his thoughts and motivations with occasional input from the killer’s perspective. This is a really well thought out plot, covering police procedure but with flashes of insight and brilliance. The characterisation is excellent, in particular that of Bliss. We witness his frustration, anger and his humanity in dealing with the widower of a murder victim, and his vulnerability when he examines his own role as a widower. In counterpoint to this, we see his awareness of the opposite sex and his ponderings on what actions/words would be deemed appropriate or more importantly not appropriate.
I heartily recommend this book. I cannot see why anyone would not like it. If police procedurals are your bag and you like a good story with some great characters, grab it fast and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
February 18, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Having read (and loved) Tony.J.Forder’s ‘Scream Blue Murder’, I nearly bit BloodHoundBooks’ hand off when the e-mail came through regarding this tour. Of course having read a book which made it into my ‘Top Books of 2017’, meant that ‘The Scent of Guilt’ had a lot to live up to. Now, I haven’t read the first book in the series, but whilst I was able to follow the storyline fine, I would recommend reading the series in order as I did feel like I had missed out on vital pieces of information about the characters themselves.
‘The Scent of Guilt’ is a cleverly written novel which chilled me to the bone. With a storyline full of hard-hitting themes, hard to digest situations, and eye-opening events which you thought only belonged in the movies – Forder manages to reel his readers into his literary web, ensuring that everyone stayed for the duration of the book. I have to say that I was unsure whether I was going to last until the very last page, purely because one or two themes were a little close to home and, whilst I am fully aware that ‘The Scent of Guilt’ is a fictional piece of writing, it just goes to show how real the author made the events stand out if they managed to hit me on a personal level.
I was quite taken aback with how much I enjoyed this book given the circumstances! This book certainly kept my attention, with the storyline having my reactions in the palm of its hands. A cleverly woven, complex, and highly intense novel which will leave you with your eyes prised open and your jaw drooping low.
Having read (and loved) Tony.J.Forder’s ‘Scream Blue Murder’, I nearly bit BloodHoundBooks’ hand off when the e-mail came through regarding this tour. Of course having read a book which made it into my ‘Top Books of 2017’, meant that ‘The Scent of Guilt’ had a lot to live up to. Now, I haven’t read the first book in the series, but whilst I was able to follow the storyline fine, I would recommend reading the series in order as I did feel like I had missed out on vital pieces of information about the characters themselves.
‘The Scent of Guilt’ is a cleverly written novel which chilled me to the bone. With a storyline full of hard-hitting themes, hard to digest situations, and eye-opening events which you thought only belonged in the movies – Forder manages to reel his readers into his literary web, ensuring that everyone stayed for the duration of the book. I have to say that I was unsure whether I was going to last until the very last page, purely because one or two themes were a little close to home and, whilst I am fully aware that ‘The Scent of Guilt’ is a fictional piece of writing, it just goes to show how real the author made the events stand out if they managed to hit me on a personal level.
I was quite taken aback with how much I enjoyed this book given the circumstances! This book certainly kept my attention, with the storyline having my reactions in the palm of its hands. A cleverly woven, complex, and highly intense novel which will leave you with your eyes prised open and your jaw drooping low.
February 19, 2018
Bliss is back, he has had quite a break since we last met him in Bad To The Bone. He comes in with a bang and doesn’t have it easy from the start. He is quite the grumpy old man for an array of reasons, but he is so likeable in his grumbles.
You can read this as a stand-alone, as the back story to the previous book is explained, but to get Bliss full character so far and his history with Chandler I suggest reading the first book.
There are dual crimes that Bliss is investigating and is unsure if there is a link to the cases, when it is realised the possibility is more of a positive Bliss has to work out more details taking him on his travels to America hoping to get the answers he requires. This is a complicated crime that pushes him to his limits in various ways.
Forder has worked his magic with Bliss and Chandler bringing them back together after 12 years.
The crime scenes were written extremely well, without being too graphic for sex crimes.
Forder ramps up the tension the more you read and discover within the storylines and we are taken on a breath taking finale where I couldn’t read fast enough. Ensure a happy ending for the right characters.
Did Forder give us this? I highly suggest you read The Scent Of Guilt to find out.
You can read this as a stand-alone, as the back story to the previous book is explained, but to get Bliss full character so far and his history with Chandler I suggest reading the first book.
There are dual crimes that Bliss is investigating and is unsure if there is a link to the cases, when it is realised the possibility is more of a positive Bliss has to work out more details taking him on his travels to America hoping to get the answers he requires. This is a complicated crime that pushes him to his limits in various ways.
Forder has worked his magic with Bliss and Chandler bringing them back together after 12 years.
The crime scenes were written extremely well, without being too graphic for sex crimes.
Forder ramps up the tension the more you read and discover within the storylines and we are taken on a breath taking finale where I couldn’t read fast enough. Ensure a happy ending for the right characters.
Did Forder give us this? I highly suggest you read The Scent Of Guilt to find out.
June 15, 2020
An elderly woman is found murdered and Bliss is called back to his old station after 12 years and a dark cloud.
He is given the case over a DCI which goes down as well as youd expect it to!
However Bliss reassembles his team, some on reputation and some he knows and they go to work.
One of his oldest friends Penny comes to talk to a rape victim in un unrelated case.
An unexpected phonecall from a cop in America sends Bliss off to investigate what could be a copycat crime, although the similarities are remarkable.
The little sojourn to the states is a brilliant aside, with lots of action and a nice little blossoming potential love story. Lots of banter which is genuinely laugh out loud funny.
When Bliss lands back in the UK its breathtaking and non stop until the end. The 2 baddies actually made me feel sick, they are that well written.
I randomly read the second in series so im bow going to read the rest and add another author to my must read. You should too.
He is given the case over a DCI which goes down as well as youd expect it to!
However Bliss reassembles his team, some on reputation and some he knows and they go to work.
One of his oldest friends Penny comes to talk to a rape victim in un unrelated case.
An unexpected phonecall from a cop in America sends Bliss off to investigate what could be a copycat crime, although the similarities are remarkable.
The little sojourn to the states is a brilliant aside, with lots of action and a nice little blossoming potential love story. Lots of banter which is genuinely laugh out loud funny.
When Bliss lands back in the UK its breathtaking and non stop until the end. The 2 baddies actually made me feel sick, they are that well written.
I randomly read the second in series so im bow going to read the rest and add another author to my must read. You should too.
February 21, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I am a massive fan of this author's books and I was really keen to get started on this one as soon as it arrived on my Kindle and I can tell you now I wasn't disappointed.
The characters in the book are brilliant and they work so well together, the plot is great I was captivated from the first few pages and it keeps you engaged right through to the excellent ending!
The book is part of a series but it also works really well and I don't feel that you would be at any detriment from reading this one on its own.
Five stars from me - fast paced, great plot -another brilliant book and another of the author's that I have given 5 stars!!
I am a massive fan of this author's books and I was really keen to get started on this one as soon as it arrived on my Kindle and I can tell you now I wasn't disappointed.
The characters in the book are brilliant and they work so well together, the plot is great I was captivated from the first few pages and it keeps you engaged right through to the excellent ending!
The book is part of a series but it also works really well and I don't feel that you would be at any detriment from reading this one on its own.
Five stars from me - fast paced, great plot -another brilliant book and another of the author's that I have given 5 stars!!
February 17, 2018
This is a great book and had me on the edge of my seat, especially at the end.
DI Bliss is back in Peterborough and is asked to take charge of a new team dealing with some gruesome murders.
DC Chandler has been seconded elsewhere but comes back to interview some rape victims so she gets to catch up with Jimmy.
I haven’t read the first book in this series but it’s clear the working relationship between DI Bliss and DC Chandler is a good one. Neither of them it seems feels complete without the other, so when the two cases seem to be linked they end up working together again.
We also get to know some of the thoughts of the murderer but without giving away his identity which I liked.
It’s a real race against time in the final few chapters and I loved it.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
DI Bliss is back in Peterborough and is asked to take charge of a new team dealing with some gruesome murders.
DC Chandler has been seconded elsewhere but comes back to interview some rape victims so she gets to catch up with Jimmy.
I haven’t read the first book in this series but it’s clear the working relationship between DI Bliss and DC Chandler is a good one. Neither of them it seems feels complete without the other, so when the two cases seem to be linked they end up working together again.
We also get to know some of the thoughts of the murderer but without giving away his identity which I liked.
It’s a real race against time in the final few chapters and I loved it.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
September 8, 2019
DI Bliss has been away from Peterborough for 12 years when he is finally drafted back. The night before he is due back, he is called in for the brutal murder of an elderly lady. With more murders and nothing for the team to go on, the frustration builds. Bliss is over the moon to see Chandler come back, albeit on another case relating to rapes of young ladies. Can she help Bliss and the team with their murder cases? Bliss has calmed down a lot since the first book but don’t worry, he still doesn’t suffer fools gladly!
This is the second in the DI Bliss series and my goodness I had some palpitations going on towards the end of the book! Even when the story moved across to America, the descriptive writing was still good and made you feel as though you were there too. I highly recommend this book.
This is the second in the DI Bliss series and my goodness I had some palpitations going on towards the end of the book! Even when the story moved across to America, the descriptive writing was still good and made you feel as though you were there too. I highly recommend this book.
February 13, 2018
I was lucky enough to read this pre-release and boy was I glad. Having not read this author I was looking forward to sampling it and I was not disappointed. Bliss us a wonderful, flawed believable character complemented by his team in the hunt for the killer. I don't normally read on journeys but I could not leave this book at home so near to its end I had to take it and finish it, to me that's a high compliment as high as the books you can't put down at 1am in the morning even though you have to be up at 6 am for work. I will certainly be looking out for other books that include Bliss and I hope you all take time to read and discover these books.
February 23, 2018
A well paced crime thriller with a solid plot which I felt was well researched. This is the first book I have read by this author but I will definitely be reading his others.
February 14, 2018
This is a very good thriller. Starts slowly and methodically and bit by bit gets you engrossed. It has good detailing as nothing gets left out. Bliss and Chandler make a very good team. Hope to read more of these. Another author I have to add to my much read list. Highly recommended.
February 17, 2018
I was immediately impressed when I started reading The Scent of Guilt that Tony J. Forder has taken the rather unusual step of setting this second book in his DI Bliss series twelve years after the previous novel. It can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel but if possible I would recommend reading the series in order. Jimmy Bliss was forced to move away from Peterborough after the fall-out from the investigation covered in Bad to the Bone and after several years involved in policing organised crime, he has returned to the city to head up a murder investigation. In the intervening years he hasn't managed to completely overcome his demons but he has learned how to manage them more effectively and is taking better care of his health. He's still prone to losing his temper in the face of unreasonable authority but he at least now grudgingly accepts the unavoidable politics of the job. Meanwhile Penny Chandler is now a Detective Sergeant and has been working in London for the Sapphire Unit, investigating rape and serious assault. The pairing between the two officers is a real strength of this series and I was relieved that their reunion feels a natural progression of the cases they are investigating and not forced for the sake of the plot. The easygoing rapport between them remains but the older and wiser Bliss has come to recognise just how much he relies on Chandler. The progression in their relationship is thoughtfully explored and once again character development is an outstanding feature of this series.
The narrative is told in the third person and follows Bliss' investigation but occasionally chapters reveal the killer's movements instead and being privy to the thoughts of this twisted and dangerous individual who is driven to commit heinous acts of violence is chilling and adds an even more desperate sense of urgency to the proceedings. The two detectives face a race against time before there are more rapes and murders and the case ends up taking them to California after an extraordinary tip leads them to look into a cold case over there. Moving the action away from Peterborough could have been a risk as I felt the author's local knowledge added a sense of authenticity to the sense of place in Bad to the Bone. Thankfully the gamble pays off; the various locations and the complexities of law enforcement in America have clearly been well researched meaning these engrossing scenes are also completely believable. It's not all Californian sun however, and the conclusion back in England is absolutely breathtaking and really makes the most of a windswept, remote location.
The Scent of Guilt may be an intriguing mystery with superb characterisation and riveting action but it's also a contemplative examination of what makes somebody evil. Tony J. Forder considers some complex themes here as characters' discussions include the generational patterns of abuse and the morals of the death penalty; and the importance of relationships, whether as sources of love, trust and strength or as more toxic influences are thought-provokingly scrutinised. I thoroughly recommend this intelligent, compelling thriller and eagerly look forward to reading more books from Tony in the future.
The narrative is told in the third person and follows Bliss' investigation but occasionally chapters reveal the killer's movements instead and being privy to the thoughts of this twisted and dangerous individual who is driven to commit heinous acts of violence is chilling and adds an even more desperate sense of urgency to the proceedings. The two detectives face a race against time before there are more rapes and murders and the case ends up taking them to California after an extraordinary tip leads them to look into a cold case over there. Moving the action away from Peterborough could have been a risk as I felt the author's local knowledge added a sense of authenticity to the sense of place in Bad to the Bone. Thankfully the gamble pays off; the various locations and the complexities of law enforcement in America have clearly been well researched meaning these engrossing scenes are also completely believable. It's not all Californian sun however, and the conclusion back in England is absolutely breathtaking and really makes the most of a windswept, remote location.
The Scent of Guilt may be an intriguing mystery with superb characterisation and riveting action but it's also a contemplative examination of what makes somebody evil. Tony J. Forder considers some complex themes here as characters' discussions include the generational patterns of abuse and the morals of the death penalty; and the importance of relationships, whether as sources of love, trust and strength or as more toxic influences are thought-provokingly scrutinised. I thoroughly recommend this intelligent, compelling thriller and eagerly look forward to reading more books from Tony in the future.
September 3, 2020
Confusingly this starts years after the first in the series, though I gather the author had a good reason for it – just be warned. I’m confused too about the first two victims here, referred to as ‘elderly’ and aged, apparently, 60 and 58, and living in sheltered accommodation – goodness! I waited to hear if there was some odd reason for this. He also refers to his DCI’s PA as ‘elderly, bespectacled’ – I doubt the police keeps them on past 67. Bliss is no spring chicken – he’s 55, to judge by his reminiscences about his wife. Increasingly irritable, I don’t need to know every time he drives that it’s an Insignia, just that it’s a car and not a tractor. In the same vein, I don’t need to know what brand of mobile phone he uses. Bliss is a likeable character, though: he is supportive of junior officers with potential (their glowing remarks about him are a little less credible), has a better degree of common sense than a lot of his fictional equivalents, deals sensibly with his health problems and applies himself to his work without veering into obsession, yet has his believable faults, too, and in the end the book is very readable and enjoyable.
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